Jerks!

It’s official: Walt Jocketty and Dusty Baker are dead to me.

Hardcore fans of Bus Leagues will recall that up until a few weeks ago, I planned to make a pilgrimmage to the Holy Land of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to see the Louisville Bats take on the Pawtucket Red Sox.  Louisville was, at the time, home to a pair of guys I wanted to see up close and person: outfielder Jay Bruce, the official man-crush of this blog, and Homer Bailey, one of the top pitching prospects in baseball. 

As the story goes, Bruce was called up two weeks before said trip, Bailey about a week later.  Just like that, there was no reason to go to Pawtucket (aside from the chance to see Clay Buchholz or Daisuke Matsuzaka in action).

I can accept that they were called up to The Show.  That’s the reality of minor league baseball, and it’s a good one.  It’s hard to be upset when a young man’s dreams come true.  But when one of those young men is returned to the minors just two weeks later, soon after the Bats left town, that makes me mad (even if his 0-3 record and 8.76 ERA necessitated such a move).  You hear that, Walt Jocketty and Dusty Baker?  I’m mad, and it’s your fault.  Grrrrr!

And to make matters worse, you know what the corresponding move was?  Outfielder Norris Hopper was activated from the disabled list.  Good for Norris, he’s probably anxious to get back on the field and play ball.  But you know what this means, don’t you?  (Attention: you are now entering the land of wild conjecture and illogical opinions.  Do not, repeat, DO NOT, take any of this seriously.  Unless I turn out to be right, in which case you are free to regard me as a God).  This means that Reds management is paving the way to rid itself of our hero, the incomparable Mr. Bruce.

The timing has never been better: after a mind numbingly amazing start, Bruce is currently mired in a dreadful 1-for-18 slump, which proves that he doesn’t yet belong at the major league level.  (Damn rookies.)  Clearly, Hopper’s reactivation is a signal that The Deal will soon rejoin Bailey in Louisville, or worse, relegated to fourth outfielder status.  (Yes, I know Norris Hopper has only appeared in 15 games this season, none since mid-April.)  I’m onto you, Baker.  I’m onto you. 

Be strong, Jay.

Affirmed.

Advertisement

Jacoby Ellsbury Is The Fastest Kid Alive

Jacoby Ellsbury, the 13th ranked prospect according to Baseball America’s preseason list, has been on the major league roster of the Boston Red Sox for the entire 2008 season to date, one of about eleven names on the Top 100 to do so.*  That makes him one of those guys that occasionally slips through the cracks at Bus Leagues: Ellsbury is clearly a major leaguer at this point, but his place on the Top 100 “allows” us to write about him if we so choose.

*The other ten: Joba Chamberlain (3), Kosuke Fukudome (30), Johnny Cueto (34), Joey Votto (44), Geovany Soto (47), Daric Barton (48), Jair Jurrjens (49), Carlos Gomez (52), Nick Blackburn (56), Manny Parra (72).  Am I leaving anyone out?  Only players who made their team out of spring training and have not been demoted are included.

Ellsbury is in the news today, not surprisingly, for his legs.  Yesterday afternoon in Cincinnati, he stole two bases to tie the Red Sox team record for stolen bases by a rookie.  Today, in the very first inning, he rolled a single through the hole between short and third, then stole second on the very first pitch to Dustin Pedroia to break the mark, which had stood since 1908.  Ellsbury then stole third and scored on Pedroia’s sacrifice fly.

In breaking the record, Ellsbury victimized fellow top prospect Homer Bailey, making his third start for the Reds.  Bailey did not have a good afternoon, allowing five runs in 2.1 innings pitched, including three homeruns (Ellsbury, Coco Crisp, J.D. Drew).  His ERA currently stands at a healthy 8.76 after three starts and the team is concerned with a serious decrease in the velocity on his fastball.

The Z-Meter 6/5/2008: Homer’s Odyssey

The Z-meter tracks the story arcs of 25 top prospects (or players we just like) on their way to the bigs. It is named after current Washington Nationals star Ryan Zimmerman, who made the transition from anchoring the University of Virginia to starring in MLB in one year.

Promoted:

Evan Longoria, 3B, Durham (AAA) to Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
Luke Hochevar, RHP, Omaha (AAA) to Kansas City Royals (MLB)
Max Scherzer, RHP, Tucson (AAA) to Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)
Clayton Kershaw, LHP, Jacksonville (AA) to Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
Jay Bruce, OF, Louisville (AAA) to Cincinnati Reds (MLB)
Homer Bailey, RHP, Louisville (AAA) to Cincinnati Reds (MLB)
Ian Stewart, 3B, Colorado Springs (AAA) to Colorado Rockies (MLB)

Justin Masterson, RHP, Portland (AA) to Pawtucket (AAA)

Antonio Bastardo, LHP, Clearwater (A) to Reading (AA)

Travis Snider, OF, Dunedin (A-Advanced) to New Hampshire (AA)

Josh Vitters, 3B, Boise (Short A) to Peoria (A)

As OMDQ pointed out yesterday, Homer Bailey was just brought up to the big leagues for the second time in his career, though to less fanfare than his outfielder buddy Jay Bruce. With him gone, I’ll be looking for someone new to add, and I have a guy I like on two grounds – he plays for a Royals affiliate (my hometown club) and he has an awesome Hawaiian name. Kila Kaaihue, this is everyone. Everyone, this is Kila.

Colorado’s Joe Koshansky hit for the cycle a couple of days ago, so he’s hot again. June been berry, berry good to Cameron Maybin, as he has hit .616 since turning the page on his calendar. Jhoulys Chacin only had one K in his last start, but still notched his 9th win against only one loss.

Let’s see who else is hot this week:

---

The top level. These prospects are in AAA in the prime of their youth, and ready for the call that will change their lives.

Chase Headley, LF – Portland Beavers (San Diego): .301 – 41R – 10HR – 30RBI – 0SB – 22BB – .522 SLG – .891 OPS

Andrew McCutchen, CF (Reserve List) – Indianapolis Indians (Pirates): .282 – 36R – 7HR – 24RBI – 17SB – .441 SLG – .814 OPS

Carlos Gonzalez, RF – Sacramento River Cats (Athletics): .293 – 23R – 4HR – 25RBI – 14BB – 1SB – .439 SLG – .790 OPS

Joe Koshansky, 1B – Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Rockies): .307 – 39R – 13HR – 22BB – 55RBI – 0SB – .615 SLG – .996 OPS

Colby Rasmus, LF – Memphis Redbirds (Cardinals): .225 – 34R – 8HR – 24RBI – 7SB – .367 SLG – .690 OPS

Nelson Cruz, RF – Oklahoma Redhawks (Rangers): .335 – 48R – 18HR – 45RBI – 14SB – .708 SLG – 1.157 OPS

Justin Masterson, RHP – Pawtucket Red Sox (Red Sox): 1GS – 1W – 0L – 1.50 ERA – 1BB – 4K

---

These guys also have the potential to skip straight to the majors, but are more likely to get promoted to the top of this meter first.

Kila Kaaihue, 1B – Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Royals): .292 – 21R – 11HR – 37RBI – 1SB – .555 SLG – .985 OPS

Fernando Martinez, CF (injured) – Binghamton Mets (Mets): .280 – 19R – 3HR – 16RBI – 3SB – .408 SLG – .721 OPS

Jacob McGee, LHP – Montgomery Biscuits (Rays): 11GS – 5W – 3L – 3.77 ERA – 24BB – 58K

Cameron Maybin, CF – Carolina Mudcats (Marlins): .267 – 41R – 10HR – 24RBI – 13SB – .481 SLG – .850 OPS

Wade Davis, RHP – Montgomery Biscuits (Rays): 12GS – 6W – 3L – 3.15 ERA – 27BB – 52K

Elvis Andrus, SS – Frisco RoughRiders (Rangers): .268 – 31R – 0HR – 19RBI – 12BB – 19SB – .316 SLG – .638 OPS

Jeff Samardzija, P – Tennessee Smokies (Cubs): 12GS – 3W – 5L – 5.34 ERA – 33BB – 37K

Luke Montz, C – Harrisburg Senators (Nationals): .353 – 25R – 11HR – 44RBI – 18BB – 0SB – .662 SLG – 1.085 OPS

Travis Snider, RF – New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays): .235 – 24R – 8HR – 31RBI – 0SB – .425 SLG – .765 OPS

Antonio Bastardo, LHP – Reading Phillies (Phillies): 6GS – 2W – 2L – 4.09 ERA – 19BB – 26K

Matt LaPorta, CF – Huntsville Stars (Brewers): .293 – 43R – 15HR – 50RBI – 1SB – .600 SLG – 1.002 OPS

Mat Gamel, 3B – Huntsville Stars (Brewers): .384 – 56R – 13HR – 51RBI – 4SB – .671 SLG – 1.120 OPS

---

These guys have vast potential but need to work out some kinks in A-ball before they can advance.

Ian Gac, 1B – Clinton LumberKings (Rangers): .328 – 42R – 16HR – 49RBI – 30BB – 1SB – .672 SLG – 1.114 OPS

Lars Anderson, 1B (injured) – Lancaster JetHawks (Red Sox): .280 – 30R – 7HR – 26RBI – 0SB – .488 SLG – .872 OPS

Rick Porcello, RHP – Lakeland Flying Tigers (Detroit): 12GS – 3W – 6L – 2.87 ERA – 17BB – 36K

Matt Wieters, C – Frederick Keys (Orioles): .324 – 37R – 12HR – 33RBI – 29BB – 1SB – .566 SLG -.987 OPS

Mike Moustakas, SS – Burlington Bees (Royals): .241 – 25R – 8HR – 27RBI – 4SB – .410 SLG – .706 OPS

Jhoulys Chacin, RHP – Asheville Tourists (Rockies): 12 GS – 9W – 1L – 1.84 ERA – 23BB – 74K

---

Prospects chosen from Diamond Cutter’s Top 25, Baseball America, and my own irrational sense of whimsy.

Now Pitching For The Cincinnati Reds…

Some might argue that Homer Bailey doesn’t deserve a “Now Pitching For…” post; after all, it is an honor typically reserved for prospects who are just arriving on the major league scene, not ones who appeared in nine games and pitched 45.3 innings in 2007.  

When I saw that the Reds were calling Bailey up to make a start on Thursday, however, doing this post was the first thing that popped into my head.  Though he had that big league experience a year ago, he started 2008 with Louisville (AAA-International League), where control problems kept him from advancing sooner.  Even now, it doesn’t exactly sound like Dusty Baker and Company are excited to have him in Cincinnati.  MiLB.com’s Mark Sheldon noted the difference between Bailey’s 2007 and 2008 arrivals:

When Bailey was first set to debut in 2007, he was heralded as a potential savior for a struggling team. With his 2008 debut nearing, Bailey is just Thursday’s pitcher, as Reds manager Dusty Baker didn’t exactly offer heaps of praise when asked about the timing of the call up.

“Well, I don’t know if it was timing,” Baker said Monday. “Sometimes, there’s necessity. How many other guys do we have on the [40-man] roster? Anybody else we’d have to put on the roster.”

Sounds like they’re really expecting a lot out of the kid in the near future.

This was mentioned in a previous post on Jay Bruce, but can you imagine what the Reds will look like in a year or two if the young starting pitching pans out?  We’re talking about a rotation of Bailey, Johnny Cueto, Edinson Volquez, Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo.  Couple that with the promising young lineup, and Reds fans might have reason to be optimistic.

The Z-Meter: 5/15/2008

The Z-meter tracks the story arcs of 25 top prospects (or players we just like) on their way to the bigs. It is named after current Washington Nationals star Ryan Zimmerman, who made the transition from anchoring the University of Virginia to starring in MLB in one year.

Promoted:

Evan Longoria, 3B, Durham (AAA) to Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
Luke Hochevar, RHP, Omaha (AAA) to Kansas City Royals (MLB)
Max Scherzer, RHP, Tucson (AAA) to Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)

Antonio Bastardo, LHP, Clearwater (A) to Reading (AA)

Travis Snider, OF, Dunedin (A-Advanced) to New Hampshire (AA)

Josh Vitters, 3B, Boise (Short A) to Peoria (A)

Mets pitching prospect Eric Niesen is out as his ERA climbs skyward. Josh Vitters from Peoria hasn’t picked up any stats for two weeks due to an injured hand, so we’re going to have to let him go for this season unless he starts tearing it up. Matt LaPorta and Mat Gamel from Huntsville are in. Colby Rasmus is hanging by a thread.

We’ve been keeping a close eye on the nice stats of Clayton Kershaw, who was on schedule to make his big-league debut despite having a difficult time putting wins on the board. MiLB.com says that promotion to the Dodgers is now on hold, after Kershaw got knocked around by the Mobile BayBears (Diamondbacks). Jay Bruce continues to scorch triple-A, and we’re all just waiting with bated breath to see him in a Reds uni. Elvis Andrus stole three bases and hit .750 in a single game on the 14th, so we’re giving him the red line. Mike Moustakas is slowly clawing his way out of his early doldrums, hitting .500 since May 9th.

Let’s see who else is hot this week:

---

The top level. These prospects are in AAA in the prime of their youth, and ready for the call that will change their lives.

Jay Bruce, CF – Louisville Bats (Reds): .352 – 25R – 7HR – 30RBI – 7SB – .613 SLG – .991 OPS

Homer Bailey, RHP – Louisville Bats (Reds): 8GS – 4W – 3L – 3.55 ERA – 14BB – 40K

Andrew McCutchen, CF – Indianapolis Indians (Pirates): .282 – 24R – 6HR – 19RBI – 11SB – .470 SLG – .844 OPS

Carlos Gonzalez, RF – Sacramento River Cats (Athletics): .303 – 12R – 3HR – 13RBI – 1SB – .424 SLG – .785 OPS

Ian Stewart, 3B – Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Rockies): .268 – 33R – 9HR – 32RBI – 3SB – .587 SLG – .945 OPS

Joe Koshansky, 1B – Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Rockies): .282 – 24R – 6HR – 29RBI – 0SB – .527 SLG – .904 OPS

Colby Rasmus, OF – Memphis Redbirds (Cardinals): .194 – 22R – 6HR – 15RBI – 5SB – .329 SLG – .612 OPS

---

These guys also have the potential to skip straight to the majors, but are more likely to get promoted to the top of this meter first.

Clayton Kershaw, LHP – Jacksonville Suns (Dodgers): 7GS – 0W – 3L – 2.21 ERA – 11BB – 40K

Justin Masterson, RHP – Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox): 7GS – 1W – 2L – 3.06 ERA – 14BB – 34K

Fernando Martinez, CF – Binghamton Mets (Mets): .277 – 19R – 3HR – 15RBI – 3SB – .406 SLG – .718 OPS

Jacob McGee, LHP – Montgomery Biscuits (Rays): 7GS – 3W – 2L – 4.58 ERA – 16BB – 36K

Cameron Maybin, CF – Carolina Mudcats (Marlins): .241 – 22R – 5HR – 11RBI – 6SB – .409 SLG – .775 OPS

Lars Anderson, 1B – Lancaster JetHawks (Red Sox): .246 – 23R – 5HR – 18RBI – 0SB – .435 SLG – .801 OPS

Wade Davis, RHP – Montgomery Biscuits (Rays): 8GS – 3W – 2L – 3.64 ERA – 16BB – 35K

Elvis Andrus, SS – Frisco RoughRiders (Rangers): .281 – 21R – 0HR – 18RBI – 10BB – 14SB – .333 SLG – .671 OPS

Jeff Samardzija, P – Tennessee Smokies (Cubs): 8GS – 3W – 3L – 4.81 ERA – 24BB – 23K

Luke Montz, C – Harrisburg Senators (Nationals): .346 – 14R – 7HR – 31RBI – 9BB – 0SB – .667 SLG – 1.073 OPS

Travis Snider, RF – New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays): .182 – 15R – 4HR – 7RBI – 1SB – .351 SLG – .666 OPS

Antonio Bastardo, LHP – Reading Phillies (Phillies): 3GS – 1W – 1L – 3.06 ERA – 5BB – 15K

Matt LaPorta, CF – Huntsville Stars (Brewers): .314 – 32R – 10HR – 38 RBI – 0SB – .629 SLG – 1.049 OPS

Mat Gamel, 3B – Huntsville Stars (Brewers): /367 – 37R – 9HR – 35RBI – 2SB – .665 SLG – 1.091 OPS

---

These guys have vast potential but need to work out some kinks in A-ball before they can advance.

Ian Gac, 1B – Clinton LumberKings (Rangers): .357 – 32R – 14HR – 40RBI – 22BB – 1SB – .762 SLG – 1.233 OPS

Rick Porcello, RHP – Lakeland Flying Tigers (Detroit): 8GS – 3W – 4L – 1.74 ERA – 13BB – 23K

Matt Wieters, C – Frederick Keys (Orioles): .333 – 26R – 8HR – 22RBI – 18BB – 1SB – .581 SLG – 1.003 OPS

Mike Moustakas, SS – Burlington Bees (Royals): .240 – 14R – 4HR – 13RBI – 3SB – .364 SLG – .659 OPS

---

Prospects chosen from Diamond Cutter’s Top 25, Baseball America, and my own irrational sense of whimsy.

The Z-Meter – 4/24/2008

The Z-meter tracks the story arcs of 25 top prospects (or players we just like) on their way to the bigs. It is named after current Washington Nationals star Ryan Zimmerman, who made the transition from anchoring the University of Virginia to starring in MLB in one year.

Promoted:

Evan Longoria, 3B, Durham (AAA) to Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
Luke Hochevar, RHP, Omaha (AAA) to Kansas City Royals (MLB)

Travis Snider, OF, Dunedin (A-Advanced) to New Hampshire (AA)

Josh Vitters, 3B, Boise (Short A) to Peoria (A)

Last week, I added Max Scherzer and Luke Hochevar to get a little more pitching representation on the Z-meter. Hochevar was promptly called up, and I’m going to try to maintain the balance we’ve established by turning to our search terms. WordPress provides many little gadgets to help writers figure out what readers are reading most, and one of those is a rundown of search terms that bring readers to specific posts. Well, one of our three most popular search terms is “Eric Niesen“, a pitcher I wrote about briefly because his A-Advanced start was put on hold so El Duque could make a rehab start at St. Lucie (Mets). Well, the Wake Forest product seems to be drawing interest for other reasons, and that’s enough for me to put him in my rotation. Welcome, Eric!

I also added Luke Montz of Harrisburg after reading about his stellar play behind the plate for the Harrisburg Senators. Welcome, Luke!

Let’s see who’s hot this week:

---

The top level. These prospects are in AAA in the prime of their youth, and ready for the call that will change their lives.

Jay Bruce, CF – Louisville Bats (Reds): .319 – 10R – 3HR – 12RBI – 4SB – .536 SLG – .879 OPS

Homer Bailey, RHP – Louisville Bats (Reds): 4GS – 3W – 1L – 1.03 ERA – 4BB – 16K

Andrew McCutchen, CF – Indianapolis Indians (Pirates): .282 – 15R – 4HR – 10RBI – 4SB – .549 SLG – .927 OPS

Carlos Gonzalez, RF – Sacramento River Cats (Athletics): .348 – 11R – 3HR – 9RBI – 0SB – .522 SLG – .930 OPS

Ian Stewart, 3B – Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Rockies): .323 – 17R – 5HR – 20RBI – 2SB – .662 SLG – 1.062 OPS

Joe Koshansky, 1B – Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Rockies): .322 – 15R – 4HR – 12RBI – 0SB – .661 SLG – 1.113 OPS

Colby Rasmus, OF – Memphis Redbirds (Cardinals): .222 – 12R – 3HR – 10RBI – 2SB – .358 SLG – .5677 OPS

Max Scherzer, RHP – Tucson Sidewinders (Diamondbacks): 4GS – 0W – 0L – 1.17 ERA – 3BB – 38K

---

These guys also have the potential to skip straight to the majors, but are more likely to get promoted to the top of this meter first.

Clayton Kershaw, LHP – Jacksonville Suns (Dodgers): 4GS – 0W – 3L – 1.83 ERA – 8BB – 23K

Fernando Martinez, CF – Binghamton Mets (Mets): .262 – 12R – 1HR – 6RBI – 1SB – .381 SLG – .678 OPS

Jacob McGee, LHP – Montgomery Biscuits (Rays): 3GS – 1W – 1L – 2.77 ERA – 7BB – 16K

Cameron Maybin, CF – Carolina Mudcats (Marlins): .286 – 11R – 3HR – 7RBI – 3SB – .492 SLG – .908 OPS

Lars Anderson, 1B – Lancaster JetHawks (Red Sox): .265 – 16R – 3HR – 9RBI – 0SB – .471 SLG – .838 OPS

Wade Davis, RHP – Montgomery Biscuits (Rays): 4GS – 2W – 1L – 4.09 ERA – 8BB – 11K

Elvis Andrus, SS – Frisco RoughRiders (Rangers): .286 – 8R – 0HR – 9RBI – 3BB – 5SB – .325 SLG – .654 OPS

Jeff Samardzija, P – Tennessee Smokies (Cubs): 4GS – 2W – 1L – 2.35 ERA – 6BB – 11K

Luke Montz, C – Harrisburg Senators (Nationals): .400 – 5R – 3HR – 13RBI – 4BB – 0SB – .675 SLG – 1.130 OPS

Travis Snider, RF – Dunedin Blue Jays (Blue Jays): .125 – 1R – 0HR – 5RBI – 0SB – .125 SLG – .347 OPS

---

These guys have vast potential but need to work out some kinks in A-ball before they can advance.

David Price, LHP – (Rays): No 2008 Stats

Rick Porcello, RHP – Lakeland Tigers (Detroit): 4GS – 1W – 3L – 1.35 ERA – 5BB – 16K

Josh Vitters, 3B – Peoria Chiefs (Cubs): .214 – 1R – 0HR – 1RBI – 0BB – 0SB – .429 SLG – .643 OPS

Matt Wieters, C – Frederick Keys (Orioles): .400 – 11R – 4HR – 13RBI – 10BB – 1SB – .700 SLG – 1.5184 OPS

Mike Moustakas, SS – Burlington Bees (Royals): .204 – 3R – 0HR – 1RBI – 1SB – .204 SLG – .475 OPS

Eric Niesen, P – St. Lucie Mets (Mets): 3GS – 0W – 1L – 4.50 ERA – 9BB – 12K

---

Prospects chosen from Diamond Cutter’s Top 25, Baseball America, and my own irrational sense of whimsy.

The Z-Meter 4/17/2008

The Z-meter tracks the story arcs of 25 top prospects (or players we just like) on their way to the bigs. It is named after current Washington Nationals star Ryan Zimmerman, who made the transition from anchoring the University of Virginia to starring in MLB in one year.

Last week, I thought it was cute to call this by the long-ass name of the Zimmerman-o-meter. Now I don’t, so it’s the Z-meter from now on. One of our prospects, Evan Longoria, was called up to the bigs over the weekend, despite a truly terrible first week in AAA. So I guess it’s worth noting that there’s not always a direct correlation between stats and call-ups – if a guy has the skills and the big club has an opening, he’ll get the call. Nonetheless, for our purposes, if a prospect’s line is in red, he’s en fuego and bucking for a promotion.

Promoted: Evan Longoria, 3B, Tampa Bay Rays

I’ve added Diamondbacks prospect Max Scherzer to the list this week following a reader’s suggestion. Scherzer has an interesting line. He’s pitched two games, allowed no earned runs, mowed down 18 batters, and yet has not figured in a win or a loss yet. That sounds like a story worth investigating.

I also took out Pedro Powell, who I mostly liked for his speed, and because he’s damn near a midget. He only had three at-bats, which offended even my irrational sense of whimsy. Instead, I went homer on you and put in Luke Hochevar, who is headed for the Royals some day soon.

---

The top level. These prospects are in AAA in the prime of their youth, and ready for the call that will change their lives.

Jay Bruce, CF – Louisville Bats (Reds): .294 – 7R – 2HR – 7RBI – 3SB – .471 SLG – .778 OPS

Homer Bailey, RHP – Louisville Bats (Reds): 3GS – 2W – 1L – 1.42 ERA – 3BB – 13K

Andrew McCutchen, CF – Indianapolis Indians (Pirates): .240 – 10R – 3HR – 8RBI – 1SB – .480 SLG – .836 OPS

Carlos Gonzalez, RF – Sacramento River Cats (Athletics): .326 – 7R – 2HR – 5RBI – 0SB – .500 SLG – .892 OPS

Ian Stewart, 3B – Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Rockies): .288 – 11R – 3HR – 13RBI – 2SB – .558 SLG – .935 OPS

Joe Koshansky, 1B – Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Rockies): .289 – 10R – 3HR – 8RBI – 0SB – .644 SLG – 1.083 OPS

Colby Rasmus, OF – Memphis Redbirds (Cardinals): .179 – 7R – 1HR – 4RBI – 2SB – .250 SLG – .538 OPS

Max Scherzer, RHP – Tucson Sidewinders (Diamondbacks): 2GS – 0W – 0L – 0.00 ERA – 2BB – 18K

Luke Hochevar, RHP – Omaha Royals (Royals): 3GS – 1W – 1L – 2.60 ERA – 6BB – 12 K

---

These guys also have the potential to skip straight to the majors, but are more likely to get promoted to the top of this meter first.

Clayton Kershaw, LHP – Jacksonville Suns (Dodgers): 3GS – 0W – 3L – 2.57 ERA – 6BB – 18K

Fernando Martinez, CF – Binghamton Mets (Mets): .214 – 9R – 1HR – 4RBI – 1SB – .339 SLG – .613 OPS

Jacob McGee, LHP – Montgomery Biscuits (Rays): 3GS – 1W – 1L – 2.77 ERA – 7BB – 16K

Cameron Maybin, CF – Carolina Mudcats (Marlins): .317 – 7R – 2HR – 4RBI – 3SB – .512 SLG – .984 OPS

Lars Anderson, 1B – Lancaster JetHawks (Red Sox): .286 – 12R – 3HR – 9RBI – 0SB – .551 SLG – .926 OPS

Wade Davis, RHP – Montgomery Biscuits (Rays): 3GS – 2W – 0L – 3.38 ERA – 5BB – 10K

Elvis Andrus, SS – Frisco RoughRiders (Rangers): .308 – 5R – 0HR – 6RBI – 3BB – 2SB – .365 SLG – .723 OPS

Jeff Samardzija, P – Tennessee Smokies (Cubs): 3GS – 2W – 0L – 1.59 ERA – 5BB – 8K

---

These guys have vast potential but need to work out some kinks in A-ball before they can advance.

David Price, LHP – (Rays): No 2008 Stats

Rick Porcello, RHP – Lakeland Tigers (Detroit): 3GS – 1W – 2L – 0.64 ERA – 4BB – 12K

Travis Snider, RF – Dunedin Blue Jays (Blue Jays): .283 – 11R – 3HR – 5RBI – 1SB – .565 SLG – .892 OPS

Josh Vitters, 3B – Boise Hawks (Cubs): No 2008 Stats

Matt Wieters, C – Frederick Keys (Orioles): .500 – 8R – 3HR – 8RBI – 10BB – 1SB – .917 SLG – 1.545 OPS

Mike Moustakas, SS – Burlington Bees (Royals): .194 – 3R – 0HR – 1RBI – 0SB – .194 SLG – .451 OPS

---

Prospects chosen from Diamond Cutter’s Top 25, Baseball America, and my own irrational sense of whimsy.